Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
Babies have a voice – that is, they have a right to have their views taken seriously in decisions affecting their lives. This voice is best interpreted through warm relationships with those who know them well. This resource covers the importance of listening to babies’ views to understand their experiences and give them the best start in life.
The development and implementation of the Enhanced Infant Feeding Service provide a community-based frenotomy clinic across LLR, developed through partnership between Family Hubs, LPT, and the ICB.
Fantastic 2s began in late 2016 as a small pilot – and nine years on, it’s still going strong! The programme was born out of a clear need: the uptake of free early education places was worryingly low.
The Mandarin Mums session at the Isle of Dogs Family Hub is an innovative, culturally tailored initiative designed to support Mandarin-speaking families in the Southeast Locality of Tower Hamlets. This case study outlines the pressing need identified within the local community and details how the session effectively addressed these challenges, fostering inclusion, wellbeing, and empowerment.
The Isle of Wight Family Hubs enhanced antenatal support by integrating maternity services with Family Hub programmes, notably the evidence-based “Welcome to the World.” This initiative improved early engagement, increased parental confidence, and strengthened pathways to postnatal services. Midwives refer families via Badgernet at 16 weeks, boosting access to workshops and support. Data shows rising participation and improved parental wellbeing, especially among underrepresented group
This case study examines how Torbay Council and its partners developed robust data sharing arrangements across three agencies to improve Family Hub service delivery. It highlights practical steps including establishing a shared vision and transitioning from separate IT systems to a single centralised platform, offering valuable lessons for other local authorities implementing multi-agency data sharing.
In June 2025, Dudley Council launched a new spoke within its Family Hub Network at Halesowen Leisure Centre, marking a significant step in expanding access to integrated support for families.
Barnsley’s Family Hub network works across the borough to ensure families receive the right support in the right place at the right time. A central part of the Family Hubs offer is support for parents. The approach is rooted in the belief that stronger parent–child relationships lead to better outcomes for children, and that early support should be available in familiar, local settings, without judgement.
Historically, breastfeeding rates in Coventry have been below the national average. The infant feeding team wanted to harness the opportunity presented by the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme to increase engagement with their infant feeding services and encourage more mothers to breastfeed.
In Norfolk, the Parent-Infant Relationship service (PAIRS) and Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) service had a well-established offering before receiving Family Hubs and Start for Life programme funding.